Turmeric
http://www.turmeric.co.in/turmeric_medicinal_use.htmOut of the spice box, into the lab
Turmeric, an Indian staple, has long had medicinal uses. Now the West is taking notice.
The goddess of turmeric brings color in life
It is the ornament of married woman
And any woman who puts turmeric in her purse,
Her purse will never be empty An old Indian folk song praises turmeric, the golden spice from the East, for its power to bring beauty, good health and good luck to those who use and carry it.
But in Indian medical lore, the pungent, woody-tasting powder is more precious still.
Modern medicine is starting to sit up and pay attention. Scientists are taking a closer look at this Asian wonder spice, teasing out active ingredients and testing its age-old cultural and medicinal uses in 21st century laboratories. The National Institutes of Health has funded at least eight studies investigating turmeric. The spice and a chemical it contains — curcumin — are being probed for their potential to prevent and treat a broad range of diseases: cancer, cystic fibrosis, Alzheimer's and arthritis.
The uses of turmeric, some described in ancient Indian medical texts, are indeed numerous. Indians put the spice on their Band-Aids as a disinfectant (Johnson & Johnson even makes turmeric Band-Aids for the Indian market) and sprinkle the powder on wounds to help them heal faster. People gargle with turmeric when they have laryngitis and rub it on the skin to cure cuts and psoriasis. They swallow it to treat bronchitis and chronic diseases such as diabetes.
Indian brides and grooms apply turmeric and milk to their skin before marriage, to look more beautiful.
And as anyone who has ever prepared a curry knows, turmeric is an essential cooking ingredient, used to flavor, color and preserve.
"You will find no house in India without turmeric. It is our daily spice, our daily life," said Vasant Lad, an Indian-trained practitioner who is chairman of the Ayurvedic Institute in Albuquerque.
Most of the studies so far have been on animals. But a growing number of mainstream researchers see turmeric and curcumin as possible aids in preventing and fighting disease in humans.
A powerful antioxidant...>
http://www.bri.ucla.edu/bri_weekly/news_060206.asp---------------------------------------------------------------
http://www.organicindiausa.com/product_info.php?products_id=30Ayurvedic practitioners believe that it is a cleanser for all parts of the body. Thus, apart from using in cooking, turmeric is also used as a form of digestive aids, in treating infection, arthritis, jaundice and fever. A symbol of prosperity, the turmeric's healing property lies in its stalk. It is this same part that is usually used to color, preserve and flavor foods in everyday cooking. In Asian cooking, it is popularly used fresh while the dried, powdered form of the root is commonly used in other parts of the world.
Benefits of Turmeric
Turmeric reduces fats; aids blood circulation and purifies it.
Turmeric also helps digestion and is believed to help the body against parasites in the intestines.
It is now investigated for potential use as anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory aid.
It is antiseptic, warming and astringent. The Use
Bowel Cancer Patients
Where turmeric is frequently used, the chances of colon cancer are very much lower. At the moment, UK cancer specialists are testing oral turmeric capsules to be taken by colon cancer patients.
Arthritis Pain
Turmeric can also be used in reducing pain associated with arthritis. This is how you can do it at home. Warm a cup of milk. Before it boils, remove it from the heat and add in a teaspoon of turmeric powder in it. Stir and drink it for up to 3 times daily.
Digestive Problems
Studies among animals prescribed with it suggest that turmeric acts as digestive stimulant and encourages the release of digestive enzymes that breaks down carbohydrates and fats. Thus, if you always have stomach upset, turmeric tea may be a good idea.
Prostate Cancer
When combined with certain vegetables, this substance holds good potential in treating and preventing prostate cancer. Scientists in New Jersey have shown that turmeric alongside a particular substance found in vegetables like broccoli, kale, turnips and cabbage would ensure protection against this dreaded disease.
Heart Problems
A study done in 1992 has showed that turmeric may be able to reduce cholesterol level and fight atherosclerosis. Preliminary studies in mice have also shown its potential in blocking the development of multiple sclerosis (MS).
Smokers
A small clinical trial conducted in 1992 showed that 1.5 g of turmeric taken daily for a period of a month could decrease the amount of mutagens (substance that helps cancerous mutation in cells). In the study, even the urines of smokers were found to be lower in mutagens (when they were given daily ration of turmeric) compared to non-smoker subjects.
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Benefits of Turmeric for Women’s Health Issues
There are many health benefits of turmeric. These benefits also come from curcumin, which is an ingredient in turmeric. Turmeric is the spice from India that is used in curry dishes. Curcumin is the part of turmeric that gives curry food its golden color. This also provides turmeric with curcuminoids, which are believed to have health properties such as antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities. (Note: Turmeric is often mis-spelled as “tumeric.”)
Turmeric benefits have been known for centuries and have always been an important part of Chinese herbal medicine and also the Ayurvedic medicine of India. This natural food is believed to support liver health, help prevent bad cholesterol, and it is being studied for its ability to block tumors.
In laboratory studies at the University of Texas, preliminary research found turmeric to be useful in preventing and blocking the growth of cancer such as melanoma tumor cells, breast cancer, colon cancer and other cancers.
Some researchers believe there also appears to be some kind of association between reduced rates of leukemia and colon cancer, and populations of countries that consume a diet with higher amounts of curcumin from turmeric.
These findings are promising but are not proof of cures. Further studies are needed of course. But the preliminary research is exciting and promising for the relationship between turmeric and the possible help in prevention of various cancers.
Many other reputed health benefits of turmeric extract include a reputation for supporting healthy skin care, healthy cholesterol levels, liver and gallbladder health and possible joint pain relief through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
The antioxidant power of turmeric is so effective that it actually helps preserve the shelf life of foods that it is added to....>
http://www.womens-health-questions.com/benefitsofturmeric.html ____________________________
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http://www.bhopal.org/issues/archives/2006/10/chemical_found.html